Julie Rosen, Bath & Body Works’ retail president of four years, will leave her role on October 22, the company announced yesterday. All roles that previously reported to Rosen, including heads of products, stores and its international division, will report to the company’s chief executive, Gina Boswell, eliminating the retail president role.
The American mall brand specialises in affordable bath and body care products, with a strong emphasis on fragrance. However, despite a wider boom in the body care category, the company has struggled to capitalise on the moment. The company has a high debt load, and sales have stagnated as consumers increasingly favour younger, more dynamic brands in the category such as Sol de Janiero and Naturium. Bath & Body Works’ stock is down more than 30 percent since the start of this year.
Olivia Tong, an equity analyst at investment bank Raymond James, said the management reshuffle would allow for faster decision-making and improved execution.
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